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Can I switch kernels from overlay to AUFS?
Hi all
Before I go rushing in as usual ...........
Is it possible to change a Puppy build that was built as Overlay and swap the kernel to one which is AUFS enabled and be able to use SFS Load?
For example, I was looking @jrb JammyPup64 which is overlay and switch it to a newer kernel that is AUFS enabled which would allow me to load/unload the DevX?
@Jasper - just looked at jrb's Jammypup64-E1 - it is usrmerge, and the default kernel is aufs OR overlayfs. To be sure of booting aufs, on your linux boot line in grub.cfg, add punionfs=aufs . Jammypup64 has the required usrmerge kernel supplied as standard - that means that /bin /lib /sbin are symlinks to /usr/bin /usr/lib /usr/sbin .
Note: Bookwormpup64 is also usrmerge but as standard runs overlayfs. You can load SFS in overlayfs now, but devx is best loaded at boot time (maybe name it ydrv ... ). Once you have a savefile/folder though, you can queue an sfs to run on next boot - will remain available until you (if ever) unqueue it & reboot. Devx, sources, headers can all be queued/unqueued.
@ozsouth
Thanks for answering my question 
Can you tell me where exactly I should add the additional parameter?
Thanks for the tip re: Bookworm and tbh leaving the DevX loaded all the time most probably would suit me better. If I do make changes then I can rebuild the "ydrv" 
One thing I learned today is that I really need to organise my filing and keep all my Puppy files all together instead of spanned over multiple internal/external drives. 
@Jasper - I'd put the punionfs=aufs immediately after pmedia=usbflash . Just remember that savefile/folder for aufs has a different structure from overlayfs - the are not interchangeable.
@ozsouth , thanks again!!
Just to report back that it does boot up successfully and allows me to get onto my desktop. The boot stanza does mention that Zram swap fails to load.
The only problematic issue that Conman fails to load with the introduction of a new kernel so unable to connect to the outside world.
Tried to install Frisbee, SNS etc but these failed too.
Not to worry 
@Jasper - 'zram fails to load' suggests your zdrv & vmlinuz are mismatched. There are other possibilities though (one is using a non-usrmerge kernel).
@ozsouth
Got it working
I used your 6.6.7.6 kernel and the Zram issue has been resolved.
Many thanks as always especially for the additional uploads ie kernel sources, headers as appreciated.
@ozsouth - So, say I want to use BookwormPup (which is overlay) with an older AUFS kernel. Will it work if I get rid of the usermerge links in the base sfs and move those linked contents (by editing the base sfs) or is there an easier method (I want to use one older AUFS kernel for all my Puppys).
@amethyst - I haven't tried that, but Marv has run Bookworm as aufs using recent kernels. I can't see why not (remember devx, fdrv & kernel sources also need to be un-usrmerged) & would test it on a fresh install. I wouldn't use a very old kernel though, as some drivers have minimum kernel requirements. Radky may have some suggestions here.
ozsouth wrote: Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:37 am@amethyst - I haven't tried that, but Marv has run Bookworm as aufs using recent kernels. I can't see why not (remember devx, fdrv & kernel sources also need to be un-usrmerged) & would test it on a fresh install. I wouldn't use a very old kernel though, as some drivers have minimum kernel requirements. Radky may have some suggestions here.
I'm using your 5.4.257-64oz-nskl-a kernel for Fossa and S15Pup.
@amethyst
I switched over kernels for NobePup64 as it was initially provided as 'Overlay', changed to 'Aufs'.
Jasper wrote: Tue Nov 05, 2024 7:50 pm@amethyst
I switched over kernels for NobePup64 as it was initially provided as 'Overlay', changed to 'Aufs'.
Thanks, I'll try it sometime. These new puppys are a bit big too big for my liking. So, you only changed to a new Aufs kernel without having to change anything else to the base sfs, etc? Is there anything else that is needed to make it run as aufs and why wouldn't a slightly older aufs kernel work?
